The Aberdare Leader

Coronation Festivities. Coming events cast their shadows. The coronation preparations are going on apace, and given fine weather, ideal King's weather, it will doubtless turn out a unique historic event. "Coronation" is now the magic word that, like the philosopher's stone, turns everything into gold. The vendors of fancy goods, cakes, and various odds and ends of every discription are reaping a golden har- vest w \ile the coronation sun shines. Loyalty seems to be the ruling passion which reigns in every heart and glows in every countenance. Even the most incorrigible Republicans appear to cast their prejudices to the vind and share the common mani- festations of loyalty towards the sovereign of the land. There is something in an event like that tends to knit closer the ties of human brotherhood--some touch of nature that makes all kin. Jn\T;mle hearts are gladdened at the thought of a joyful holiday. The sweet angel of charity is at work ing thedch to contribute of their affluence toward brightening the life of the poor with a ray of sunshine and cheer, something to break the gloomy monotony of poverty.

Calvin Anniversary. [HELD OVER FROM LAST WEEK.] The Calvin anniversary has been the means of eliciting many comments--compli- mentary and otherwise-on the notable re- former and his life. At the Tabernacle Chapel, Aberdare, last Sunday, the Rev. J. Morgan Jones, B.A., based his sermon on this timely topic. Calvin, he said, was a much abused man. Many only knew him as the founder of a stern theology, the ex- pounder of an uncompromising doctrine of predestination. Calvin, it was true, had made a great mistake when he invoked the aid of the secular arm and entrusted church censorship to the municipal authorities of Geneva. He tried to make people good by Act of Parliament, which can never be done. Nevertheless, his object was good. He thought that in order to get a pure life it was necessary to have a correct opinion. Hence his assumption of the role of spiritual dictator. John Calvin was an apostle of purity to a corrupt and immoral generation, and he erred only in the means of attaining that purity. Some of the critics of the great Genevian would do well to digest Mr. Jones' vindication of him.

Did Not Know Him. [HELD OVER FROM LAST 'WEEK.) Returning in a brake from the meeting- held at Cwmbach on Thursday night Mr. Keir Hardie related to Councillor Morgan John, Mr. Stephen Lloyd, and a representa- tive of the Leader, a very interesting ex- perience he had had that evening. Going down sooner in the day, in the same con- veyance, a young gentleman, unconscious that his fellow-passenger was the junior member for the Merthyr Boroughs, volun- teered every information concerning Aber- dare, not excluding its representatives in Parliament. [The hon. member appeared quite interested as his companion expatiated on his (Mr. Keir Hardie's) political and social views, and not until he was asked if he agreed with those views was he com- pelled to speak. Even then he did not betray himself. The surprise came to the young stranger when he saw Mr. Keir Hardie in the pulpit, and the latter happened to catch the expression of amazement on his face.

Births, Marriages & Deaths Notices of Births and Deaths are charged at the rate of 6d. each per insertion, pre- paid; Marriages, Is.

Trades and Labour Council. The above held their monthly meeting on Thursday evening, at the Cardiff Castle Coffee Tavern. Mr. John Davies presided, and in opening the proceedings said he was sorry to see such a meagre attendance, but it was due no doubt to the unfavourable weather. There was a matter of great im- portance now before the District Council, viz., the Tramway Scheme. If it would ■! pay the Electric Traction Company to take it up, surely it would pay the ratepayers. (Hear, hear). He hoped the Council would not hand it over to that company.. The Secretary, Mr. E. Stonelake: read re- plies received for "their votes of sympathy with Mr. and Mrs. Llewelyn, Heolygerrig; Mr. Keir Hardie, M.P., and Mr. John Prowle. HOUSING QUESTION. A motion was carried that public meet- ings be held on the Housing Question, and that the executive be authorised to deal with the matter. PAYMENT OF LABOUR REPRESENTATIVES. The following was down for considera- tion .—" To finally decide at what rate our Labour Representatives shall be paid." This question was under discussion at a previous meeting, and it was then referred back to the various lodges that form the Trades and Labour Council, Some of the delegates contended that inasmuch as Mr. S- Hawkins was not obliged to lose a day's work by going to Merthyr every Saturday, he should be content with less than those who were compelled to lose their work. Other delegates had been instructed to vote in favour of the scheme which prescribed that all labour members be paid 5/- plus percentage for the past year. This was pro- posed by Mr. T. Davies, shop assisants' re- presentative, and seconded by Mr. Griffiths, delegate from the Werfa Lodge. An amend- ment was moved and seconded, that the scheme be adopted, but that Mr. Hawkins be excepted. When put to the vote, the original proposition was carried by a major- ity of 4. FREE SURPLICES. Mr. Meth. Davies spoke in condemnatory terms of the action of some members of the Burial Board in voting in favour of giving free surplices to the clergy at the cemetery. The nonconformist preachers, he said, were against' the Education Bill because it favoured the Church of England. So was the giving of free surplices favourable to the Established Church. Tah nonconformists had had an opportunity of doing away with this injustice, and they had not done it. It was clear they were not willing to begin with little things. Mr. Phillips (vice-chairman) and Mr. Augustus Davies spoke in a similar strain. Upon this question, too, a motion was carried respectfully asking Mr. S. Hawkins to attend the next meeting in order to give an explanation of his equivocatory support to the motion of the other labour members of the Burial Board, LABOUR PARTY IN PARLIAMENT. The following item had been sent in for consideration from the Amalgamated Society of Tailors To consider what steps shall be taken to form a Labour Party in Parlia- ment." Mr. Meth. Davies thought it rather pre- vious to discuss this matter. What good was it to get a labour party in Parliament if they did not get labour members on the local boards and councils. Mr. Stephen Lloyd said that Mr. Keir Hardie, M.P. had told him that one meeting had been held in one of the rooms in the House of Commons with the avowed object of forming a labour party, and that further efforts were to be made. Eventually it was agreed to Jet the matter lie in abeyance for some time. RATE OF WAGES. A motion from the Amalgameted Society of Tailors, that they petition the A her- dare School Board to insert conditions bind- ing all contractors under the Board to pay trade union wages to their employees," was referred to the two labour members on the Board, and they to use their discretion in the matter.

A Welsh Harpist Dead. AN OLD ABERDARIAN'S CAREER. On Thursday the celebrated blind harpist, Thomas Lewis, passed peacefully away at his home, the little wayside inn at Trecynon that bears the characteristic name of The Welsh Harp." Here lie had resided for the last 50 years of his life. He was born at Tyfry, Cwmdare, 73 years ago. While 16 years of age he, and a companion, attended the popular November Fair, when he was accidentally shot by his friend with the re- suit that lie lost his eyesight. The late Mr. Fawcett, M.P. when he met with a similar calamity made a vow that 110 would strive to go through the world as if he had lost nothing. It appears that our old friend also determined that lie would make life worth living despite his terrible affliction. The light of nature was forever denied to him but"" the light that never was on land or sea" streamed into his soul. It was only the windows of the mind that were destroyed, the tenant remained. The calamity proved beneficial to him, in a sense. It awoke his dormant musical genius. It was a pathetic scene to see him taking his daily round through the Park, listening at- tentively to the winged warblers whose plumage he discerned not, and scenting the sweet odour of the flowers though he could not admire their hues. He appeared to de- rive a secret inspiration through some avenue of his soul which set his genius aflame. His fame as a harpist was wide- spread. His services were required and appreciated all over the country. He was on intimate terms with 1\11:. John Thomas (Pencerdd Gwalia) and other harpists of eminence. He was tlic- fai-iiily harpist for the illustrious house of Cefn Mably. He had played for three generations of the Kemeys Tynte family. "With the present Colonel Kemeys Tynte lie was a great favourite, and many a time did he charm and cheer illustrious visitors, both at Cefn Mably and at Haswell Park, Bridgewater. He was also a regular and ever-welcomed visitor at the residences of Mr. Davies. Maesyffynon, and Mr. Waynes, Glendar! His divine harp soothed the ears of peasant and peer and shed rays of joy into many a hall and hovel. He imparted sweetnessand light everywhere, still he could not see the tears and smiles that he alternately created. There was no more familiar figure in the neighbourhood of Trecynon than Thomas Lewis. Day in, day out, he would be seen wending his way through the Park, and the facility with which he groped his way was something wonderful to behold. He had through a long and constant use trained his hearing to the utmost accuracy, and could distinguish every person after hearing his voice but once. He was known to have re- cognised one person's voice after an absence of 15 years. He would attend to the duties of his business, and accomplish everything with a remarkable dexterity. Although de- ceased had not been in very good health for a considerable time his death came with a tragic suddenness to the great mortifica- tion of his sister, who acted as his faithful and loyal housekeeper. Mr. Lewis' funeral took place on Monday at the Public Cemetery. Owing to a wrong impression, that the "funeral would be a private one, there was not the number pre- sent- that might have been expected to pay the last tribute of respect to one so widely known and respected. The coffin was of plain oak with brass plate and bore the in- scription THOMAS LEWIS. Died June 5th, 1902, Aged 72 years. The Rev. R. J. Jones, M.A., the minister of Hen Dy Cwrdd Unitarian Church—with which deceased was associated--officiated. The hymn 'Nol colli ein cyfeillion lioff l' was sung at the house. At the graveside Mr. Jones gave an address and prayed. The mourners were the following: Mrs. Samuel, sister Mr. Samuel Samuel, (nephew) and Mrs. Samuel; Capt. Lewis and Mr. William Lewis, nephev M. 1)2.712° T""1 ^r^—" Mrs. Samuel Phillips; Mrs. Williams,. Hotel; Mrs. Griffiths, Talgarth; Mrs.Morgu, and Mrs. Phillips, Mountain Ash. Thus the venerable sweet singer of Trecynon was laid in his last resting place amidst the sobs of grief and the whispers of hope. His harp is silenced, and the hand that so defty manipulated it has been consigned to dust.

Letters to the Editor. LETTERS on any subject of public interest are invited. It should be understood that we do not necessarily agree with the views expressed therein. Correspondents will oblige by writing on one side of the paper, and must invariably enclose their names and address, not necessarily for publica. tion, but as a guarantee of good faith.

Electric Traction Scheme. District Council or Private Company. SIR,-I, was very sorry to see in your first issue such a retrogressive fossilised idea as suggested by T. J. W. Aberdare, and all other towns excepting Merthyr, would cut a very sorry figure if their citizens were of the same ilk as the above initialed gentle- man. But I should like to know whether this note of his is only a means of break- ing of the waters" for his friend, the mem- ber for Gadlys. to advocate "private" in preference to "public" ownership and con- trol of local undertakings. Merthyr to-day grieves having had such foolish and old- fashioned public representatives of the same ideas as T. J. W., and are now sorry, when too late, of their folly in handing over their rights to the Bristish Electric Traction Co. I would like to ask T. J. W. what is his knowledge of municipal matters, such as owning and controlling trams, slaughter- houses, gas and electric light works, &c., that he expresses such; a pessimistic view ? I would advise him to have a chat with the labour candidate of the Gadlys Ward of the last election; perhaps he might be enlight- ened upon his troubled ideas." [If the British Electric Traction Co. could make it pay with their experience, why not the "local bodies with the whole country's experience? Why didn't T. J. W. attend some of the meetings .that were held to promote the scheme, and learn from those workingmen advocates the success of municipal control, even at the cost of promoting Bills in the House of Commons? I say, as a heavier ratepayer than T. J. W., by all means let the Council promote a Bill, especially after having gone to the expense of gathering evidence; and more so after going to the expense of widening the roadside at various places. T. J. W.'s letter is only a prelimin- ary canter for his friend to do as usual to promote and support officialism and private enterprise, as he usually does, similar to'his lack of courage and principle in hiding be- hind the neutral bush at the Board meet- ings. Let this official consult his fellow, electors in Gadlys Ward, especially the young active labour advocates, who make a study of municipal ownership and control, and I hope and trust that the Trades Coun- cil, and tradesmen in general, will call upon the High Constable to call further meetings to force he Council on with the movement. Now. Councillors L. N. Williams. W. T. Morgan, Owen Harris, John Howell and John Bucknell, fulfill your promises at the last election, and obtain public ownership for the benefit of the ratepayers in general, —I am, tic., PROGKESSIYE RATEPAYER,

DO STAND THE f ADVANTAGES U WHELMING 1 P.B.B.C. TRADE MAR-K 31,545 THE PUBLIC BENEFIT BOOT COMPANY. SOUTH WALES BRANCHES 7, Commercial St., Aberdare FERNDALE PONTYPRIDD TONYPANDY MERTHYR PENTRE NEATH SWANSEA MOUNTAIN ASH CARDIFF NEWPORT

COMPTON HOUSE, ABERDARE FOR CORONATION NOVELTIES. > ALSO Buntings, Flags, Lanterns, Medals, &c., Suitable for Decorations. AN IMMENSE STOCK TO SELECT FROM. ,J.t. SEE OUR WINDOWS ON FRIDAY NIGHT. EVANS & ALLEN, Ltd. TOM DIX, Boot Hotel Mews, Aberdare. NEW FURNITURE VAN, Of most modern and approved Construction. Adapted for Removing Furniture from Cottage or Mansion, by Road, Rail, or Sea. Packed by experienced packers. Estimates free upon application. Terms strictly Moderate, FREDERICK D. E. GEORGE, (LATE ISAAC THOMAS) The ONLY complete Funeral Furnisher and Funeral Director. EVERY REQUISITE FOR FUNERALS OF ALL CLASSES. Proprietor of Funeral Cars, Hearses, Shellibiers, Mourning Coaches and Broughams. Note the Address 24 and 25, Seymour Street, Aberdare. REES EVANS & SON, i LADIES' AND GENTLEMEN'S TAILORS, 45, COMMERCIAL STREET, ABERDARE. Latest London Novelties for Summer wear always kept in stock. G. W. DAVIES & Co., Harriet Street, Trecynon, Is the place for Provisions unequalled. Fresh Supply of Butter Weekly. Spiller's Flour, none other kept. Canadian and Caerphilly Cheese and Welsh Bacon/ Incandescent Fittings of all kinds at Lowest Market Prices,' 'Complete lights from One Shilling upwards. & Live Pigs of all Sizes kept. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Don't forget the Address. JOHN MORGAN & SON, ESTABLISHED 1868, Undertakers » and Funeral Furnishers. Proprietors of Hearses and Mourning Coaches to suit all classes. A large selection of Shrouds and Trimmings kept Estimates given for Bricked Graves. John Morgan and Son's latest Glass Panelled Hearse defies competition in quality and Price. 1 1 NOTE THE ADDRESS:- 53, Monk Street, Aberdare, And at Station Street, near T.V.R. Station. j FOR THE VERY LATEST NOVELTIES IN ALL DRAPERY DEPARTMENTS GO TO Jll/I General Draper ■ I Via twHIlOj and Milliner, 49, GADLYS ROAD, ABERDARE. Our Specialities ar, -Ladies' Trimmed MJIIinery. STYLES RIGHT. QUALITY RIGHT, PRICE RIGHT, LENDON BERRY & Co., Artists and Photograpers, Globe Studio, 47, Commercial St., ABERDARE. For Artistic Portraiture in all the Newest Processes. Highest Quality, Lowest Prices. CALL FOR PRICE LISTS. A. D. JONES, FOR High-Class Cycles & Repairs at Popular Prices, DUKE ST., ABERDARE BUSINESS ADDRESSES. Addresses are inserted under this heading at 6d. per week if prepaid. -I BEST ADVERTISING MEDIUM. "Aberdare Leader," Abeimdare. A particular feature of The A berdareLeader will be its articles and contributions of permanent interest; therefore it will be the best advertising medium. BOOKBINDING & MACHINE RULING. Leader 11 Printing Works, 14, Canon Street, Aberdare. The best place for Bookbinding, Machine Ruling, and all kinds of Printing. Prepaid Small Advertisements. Inserted at the following low rate- One Three Six Week. Weeks. Weeks. s. d. s. d. s. d. 20 Words .06- 1 0 1 6 28 „ 0 9 1 6 2 3 36 „ 1 0 2 0 6 0 Remittances may be made by Postal Orders or half-penny stamps, to the ADVERTISEMENT OFFICE, 33, DEAN STREET, ABERDARE. FOR SALE. _v- "DRADBURY'S MACHINES for Dress- makers, Tailors, Shoemakers and Boot Repairers, are the best. High Arm, Hand and Cover, 5 Drawer Stand, Leaf Table, X7 6s. Cash. High Arm Hand and Cover, on!y\ £ 4 lis. 6d. 15 per cent discount for Cash. -J. Bugler, 420, Cardiff Road, Aberdare. COPYING PRESS, 15 by 10 inches; brass handles and nuts, fixed on STAND with two drawers, nearly new. Apply- Gwladgarwr Printing Works, 14, Canon St., Aberdare. SCHOOL DESK, 6 feet long, Blackboard and Easel, and a large Map of the British Isles; secondhand.—14, Canon St., Aberdare. TDRINTING of every description at Lowest Possible Prices at the Gwladgarwr Printing Works, 14, Canon Street, Aberdare. THE best place to get your BOOKS and MUSIC BOUND is the LEADER OFFICE, 14, Canon Street, Aberdare. FOR MEMORIAL, WEDDING, VISIT- ING, and other CARDS, in the best styles at Lowest Prices.—The Gwladgarwr Printing Works, 14, Canon Street. FOR LEDGERS, and all Account Books, go to the office of this Paper, 14, Canon Street, Aberdare. Best and Cheapest in the district. FOR CHEAP STATIONERY go to 14, Canon Street. 1,000 Envelopes for 2s.; 1 lb. Note Paper, 4|d. Give it a trial. SIX Shilling Novels withdrawn from a lending library in good condition, 8d. each; also new works by eminent authors at one-fourth their original value.—E. Parr, Newsagent, Canon Street, Aberdare. ILLUSTRATED Guide to Aberdare and JL District, containing 22 excellent Views. Threepence each.—The LEADER Office, 14, Canon Street, Aberdare, 1 TO Hawkers and Shop Keepers.—A JL Variety of Books, in Welsh and English, to be sold cheap.—The LEADER Office, 14, Canon Street, Aberdare. I PORTRAIT. of the late Queen Victoria, _i_ and the King and Queen, at less than Half Price. Only a few left.—The LEADER Office, 14, Canon Street, Aberdare. THE Best and Cheapest Place to obtain JL Stationery for Office or Private use is at the office of this Paper, 14, Canon Street, Aberdare. PRINTING, from a Catalogue to a Card, in the Best Style, and at the Lowest Price, at the LEADER Office, 14, Canon Street, Aberdare. WANTED. WANTED-Smart Boys to sell The Aberdare Leader on Thursday and Friday evenings.